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Insulin Bottles and Cartridges

Insulin Bottles and Cartridges

Some insulin pens are designed to be used with an insulin cartridge. These pens are meant to be reused. Insulin pens that do not come with separate insulin cartridges are disposable, and the insulin is prefilled inside the pen. When you prepare to take
insulin, check the label on the bottle (vial), the disposable pen, or the cartridge for the refillable pen for the:

Expiration date of the
insulin.

Correct name and source of insulin (human or pig)
prescribed for you.

Correct type of insulin prescribed for you
(rapid-, short-, intermediate-, or long-acting, or mixed).

Correct
concentration of insulin prescribed for you. (The most commonly used
concentration is U-100, which contains 100 units of insulin per milliliter or
cubic centimeter.) Sometimes insulin is produced in a less concentrated
(diluted) form for babies. Make sure you give your baby the dilution your
doctor prescribed.

Also, check the bottle, pen, or cartridge for cracks or chips. Look for
changes in the appearance of the insulin that can indicate it will not work,
such as:

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